Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 Feb 2003

Vol. 561 No. 5

Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.

Seán Crowe

Question:

199 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the establishment of Tuismitheoirí-Teagaiscoirí Le Chéile, an amalgamation of teachers, students and parents representing over 160 schools across the State who are concerned in regard to the lack of significant progress in addressing the problems of hundreds of primary schools across the country; the measures he intends to take to address their concerns; and if he will meet with representatives of Tuismitheoirí-Teagaiscoirí Le Chéile in the near future. [4849/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

My Department is aware of recent reports in the media about the establishment of, Tuismitheoirí-Teagaiscoirí Le Chéile. The Deputy will be aware that I recently published the 2003 school building programme in order to give the maximum amount of information to managers, boards of management, principals, parents and students and to give an assurance that it is being operated in an open and transparent manner.

The 2003 programme will deliver over 140 large-scale projects at primary and post-primary level. In addition, 433 schools will benefit in some way from the building programme and of course all primary schools benefit directly from the devolved grants scheme for minor works. An innovative feature of this year's programme is the introduction of a devolved building initiative for small rural primary schools which will benefit 20 school communities.

The Government has acknowledged the historical deficit in educational infrastructure and has set about redressing the situation by allocating substantial funding. Redressing the situation will take time but I am determined to ensure that the needs of schools right across the country are met.